Wednesday, October 06, 2010

‘Art of War’ and ‘Principles of War’

China continues to be driven by Sun Tzu’s philosophy. Sun Tzu had said:-
  • For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.
  • Those skilled in war subdue the enemy’s army without battle.
  • The height of strategic wisdom is to avoid all conflicts and entanglements from which there are no realistic exits.
  • Ideal winning is winning without bloodshed. By playing with psychological weaknesses of the opponent, by manoeuvering enemy to precarious position, by inducing feeling of frustration and confusion, a strategist can get the other side to break down mentally before surrendering physically or psychologically.
  • Wisdom lies in defeating the strategy rather than the military.
China is doing nothing new but following the ‘Art of War’ and ‘Principles of War’ laid down by Sun Tzu. It is waging war on India without field armies. The intent is clear — to subdue India without fighting a war.

Also Read: Unmasking China

                                                                By Col Narender Kumar 
                                                                Issue: Vol 25.2 Apr-Jun 2010